STUDY OF THE OCCURRENCE OF LOGICAL ERRORS IN SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT AND METHODS FOR THEIR DETECTION

Abstract

The study presented in this paper focuses on the phenomenon of logical errors in software development and their impact on the cybersecurity of web applications. Logical errors represent one of the most elusive categories of software defects, since they are not related to the technical correctness of code syntax or compilation issues, but rather to the incorrect realization of the intended logic of the system. Unlike typical coding errors, logical flaws may remain undetected through conventional debugging or testing procedures, yet they often lead to critical vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers. This makes their identification and prevention a matter of significant importance for secure and reliable software engineering.

The aim of the work is to examine the influence of logical errors on web application cybersecurity, to develop a classification system of such errors, to analyze their occurrence across different phases of the software development lifecycle, and to explore methodologies and tools that can improve their detection. The study also proposes a conceptual model of a logical error that provides a structured understanding of how such flaws emerge and propagate in application architectures.

The research objectives include: identifying the most common sources of logical errors in the software development process; analyzing their impact on system architecture, data processing, and user interaction; classifying errors based on their origin and manifestation; and considering methodological approaches for their detection and mitigation. Special attention is paid to the cascade (waterfall) model of software development, where logical flaws may appear at each phase — from requirements analysis and system design to implementation, testing, and maintenance. By introducing a classification framework and error model, the paper contributes to a more systematic approach to understanding and handling logical errors.

The results of the study highlight that logical errors not only affect the reliability and stability of software systems, but also play a critical role in weakening the cybersecurity posture of web applications. Logical vulnerabilities can open paths for unauthorized access, data leakage, privilege escalation, or violation of business logic, which attackers often exploit. Therefore, their timely detection is essential for both software quality assurance and cyber defense. Based on the conducted analysis, the paper provides recommendations on methodological practices and specialized tools that can assist developers, testers, and security analysts in identifying logical errors at different stages of development.

Logical error detection remains a complex and insufficiently studied problem in modern software engineering. The results of this research contribute to a deeper understanding of the nature and lifecycle of logical flaws, providing a foundation for further methodological development in this field. The findings emphasize that considering logical errors throughout the entire software development process allows for more resilient application design and enhances cybersecurity protection.